Leaping into March

Okay, so today is Leap Day, that weird extra day we get every four years. It's an intercalary day (like my big fancy word? yes, I had to look it up) that we add periodically to adjust the Gregorian calendar. February is the strange month anyway (why is it so dang short?) so we add it here. Leap day sucks for people born on February 29th since they only get a birthday every four years and apparently most websites won't let you register since a lot of them don't recognize 2/29 as a valid day. It is good, however, for guys who get married on Leap Day since they only have to remember an anniversary every four years.

One of the longest standing Leap Day traditions, going back to at least the thirteenth century (yes, I had to look it up) is that on this day women are allowed to propose to men. Okay, it's the 21st century now and women can now propose anytime they want but for a long time they couldn't and so Leap Day became the great equalizer. I wonder how many guys back then found a way to be 'out of town' on Leap Day? Of course, men could always say no, but if they did they had to pay a kind of 'consolation gift' to soften the blow. This could be a kiss, money or a silk gown. Not a bad deal, actually.

Of course today we aren't nearly so archaic. Today we celebrate this most unusual of days by getting free McSkillet Burrito's at McDonald's (during breakfast hours only, with the purchase of a large beverage, so you'd better hurry) or the big "Leap Year Mattress Sale" at RC Willey. Much more civilized. But I like the idea of Leap day being a kind of "Opposite Day'.

So, in the spirit of Leap Day's past, I would like to take this time to formally propose to actor Owen Wilson. Yeah, I know, you'll probably say no. So contact me and I'll let you know where to send my consolation prize.

Why?

Okay, so I wrote some lyrics yesterday. Why? I have no idea. I'm not a lyricist and I certainly don't know how to write music. But this 'song' and the words kept playing in my head so I wrote it down. Part of the 'year of writing dangerously' is to examine the creative process and do what feels natural as a writer. So here are the lyrics to the song that was floating around in my head. I wish you could hear the music that goes with it but short of jumping into my brain I don't know how that can happen. So, think of it as a weird poem, I guess. And if anyone knows someone who wants to set it to music, let me know!

I think I miss me
I'm not the girl I used to be
I was a poet, and a painter
But you thought that I should try
To put my foolish dreams aside

I think I lost me
When I found you
I'm not blaming anyone
But it's time for me to run
And find the me I used to know
The girl I was so long ago

You thought you'd fix me
And for a while I didn't see
But I think we can agree
I wasn't broken
Just not what you had in mind
To make your perfect kind of life

I need a partner
To stand beside me
Not in front of
Or behind me
Who believes in what I am
And wouldn't want to change my plan

I think I lost me
When I found you
I'm not blaming anyone
But It's time for me to run
And find the me I used to know
The one I was so long ago

Hump Day

Boy, does that phrase have multiple meanings or what? Hump Day. Sorry, it just makes me laugh. (And brings to mind my little dog, Java, trying to assert her dominance over her much taller and heavier cousin, Pax.) Hope you have a good hump day as you cruise on to the end of the week.

Week Two

Okay, I'll be honest. It still feels like I'm playing hooky. Don't get me wrong, I've been working, writing these two daily blogs, working on my scripts, re-writing another, trying to find networking opportunities, etc. But I still feel a bit like someone is going to be calling me, wondering why the hell I'm not at the office. And I miss the daily interaction with my friends at work. So I'm still tweaking my schedule, trying to find put what is going to work the best for me. And I'm making and sticking to my 'Do' lists so that I stay on track. The deadline for the Nicholl Fellowship is May 1st so I need to have my re-write and another script done by then. So it's back to work for me (and probably for you) so thanks for checking in. See you soon!

And the Oscar Goes To....

Okay, last night was one of my favorite nights of the year, the Academy Awards. I though Jon Stewart did a great job. His opening monologue was funny but he kept the show tight and I though it was quite nice. I was a little disappointed in the fact that Americans seemed highly under represented - Best Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor and Suporting Actress all went to Europeans. I think they are great actors but c'mon, not one American?

Let's talk fashion for a brief moment. Helen Mirren looked FABULOUS, proving that an older woman can be elegant and sexy at the same time. I loved her ruby dress with the glittering sleeves. Worst look has to go to Tilda Swinton. What in the hell was she thinking?!? She looked like an androgenous alien wearing a garbage bag with one armhole cut out. I couldn't figure out if it was a dress or some weird performance art piece (you know, like the ones where the artist emerges from a bag to represent some rebirth bulls@#t). Her stylist (and her makeup artist and her hair stylist/colorist) should all be taken out an summarily shot. It was really, really bad, like beyond that swan outfit Bjork wore one year.

I was really wondering where Ben Affleck was. Jennifer Garner was there, sitting next to Casey Affleck but no Ben. His brother was nominated for an award, his wife was presenting an he couldn't even show up? I think it was way wrong of the Academy to not nominate him for Best Adapted Screenplay but still, he could have showed up. He could do Jimmy Kimmel for cryin' out loud but not show up for the big show? Ben, I'm dissapointed in you. Even Owen Wilson showed up and you have had a much better year than he has. And I'm not buying the 'someone had to stay home with Violet' story. Hire a babysitter.

My least favorite moment was when Diablo Cody won for Best Original Screenplay. It wasn't because I didn't think she deserved to win, I loved "Juno" and thought it was a terrifically witty and thoughtful film. But Diablo (I'm hoping that Diablo Cody was just her stripper name, not the one her parents gave her) seemed manic throughout her speech and honestly, I though she was really disingenious. She seemed to 'tear up' at the end of her speech when she thanked her family but as soon as she turned away she looked almost angry. She grabbed the envelope from Harrison Ford and sort of stomped off stage. I thought it made the whole speech look faked. One reviewer of the Oscars though she looked glum and wondered if Harrison Ford was taking her to detention instead of just winning an Oscar. If it had been me, I would have been jumping through the roof (an award AND Indiana Jones, it don't get much better than that!) To all future winners, just remember that the cameras are ALWAYS watching.

My favorite moment of the night was when Jon Stewart let Marketa Irglova come back and finish her acceptance speech. I was delighted to see Glen Hansard and Marketa win for Best Original Song (restoring my faith in the Academy) and not just because now I can say I have hung out with two Oscar winners but because it as a great song from a great film that truly deserved to win. But Glen's exuberance led to Marketa's portion being cut off by the band once his thirty seconds was up. Jon brought Marketa back out after the commercial break to take her moment in the spotlight. Not only as that well done of Jon, but it was one of the most touching speeches of the evening.

I watch the Oscars not only to celebrate the movies and see my favorite celebrities, but to reinforce my dreams of making movies and writing good films. I look to many of the winners for inspiration. So I'd like to thank Marketa for the words in her speech that I will look back and reflect upon in the days ahead as I struggle to reach my dreams.

"This is proof that no matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible. And, you know, fair play to those who dare to dream and don't give up." -Marketa Irglova

Thanks and fair play to you too.

Friday With No Meaning

Friday is a day that has always had some kind of connotation. It is the end of the work week and the start of the weekend. It was that way when I was in school, you looked forward to Friday because school was going to be out and Friday night was the night I hung out with my friends and went to the football game or to the movies. For the last seven years I have worked a Monday through Friday job with weekends off and Fridays again took on the significance of being the end of the long week. Fridays always seemed a bit more relaxed, as though everyone were mentally winding down. But now that I'm a self-employed writer, Fridays don't seem as important as they once were. Yes, tomorrow will still be Saturday, but I'm still planning on writing, and because of my less structured environment I can do whatever I need to do any day I want to do it. So Friday doesn't seem as large and, frankly, as fun as it used to be. On the other hand, maybe Mondays won't suck as bad as they used to. I'll have to let you know.

For those who were concerned about the situation in Wells after my last post, George and Marina Yan are fine as are their home and businesses. Their television didn't survive however as it was thrown from the entertainment center during the quake. Services will be private.

Keep an eye out on www.smidgits.com for the new series, The Jerseynaut, which I have co-written and directed. It;s a quick and funny new series and Jimmy Germano is hilarious. You go, Jimmy G! It has been awesome working with such a talented actor and as always such an amazing creative group.

Earthquake in Wells

There was a 6.3 earhtquake this morning centered around Wells, Nevada. My friend Tina has parents who live and own businesses in the area (in fact, her Dad is the former mayor). I haven't heard if everything is okay yet but my thoughts and prayers are with them.

I love the stories that Tina tells about growing up in this tiny town pretty much in the middle of nowhere. But even I get confused sometimes and I remember her telling me about one time when they were in Chinatown. I thought it was strange that they had a Chinatown section of Wells, since not only is Wells small in population but the Yan family was the only asian family in the area. I just assumed that wherever there was a Yan in Wells, that was where Chinatown was at the moment. She looked at me quite strangely and said, "Shae, the name of my family's restaurant IS Chinatown." Duh!

I also like the story about her delivering food from the family restaurant to the local brothel to a large black prositute named Peaches. There is a sitcom there, I know it.

I hope the Yan's, Wells and Chinatown are all okay.

Day Two

Day One went fine, I got 10 pages written of my new screenplay. I had trouble getting my motor started (it's a little intimidating when the page is completely blank) but once I got going it came prety smoothly. Today I will continue on that screenplay as well as starting work on my second blog, Gourmand-Girl, which will be about all things food. (Don't fret, there will still be some recipes and food discussion here, but for a more in depth food analysis, history, etc. go to www.gourmand-girl.blogspot.com) I am also looking into writer's groups so that I can start to network, cuz I need an agent!

In other news, Fidel Castro is stepping down as President of Cuba becuase he's 150 years old and tired of being the last Communist dictator dammit! Completely irrelevant to my writing but a victory for democracy. Have some ropa vieja to celebrate. See you tomorrow!

Day One

Okay, I've started my 'job' as a full time writer. So I woke up (with an alarm, just like with my previous job), worked out, ate breakfast and now I am sitting at my computer writing this. Hey, writing is writing, right? Blogs count, especially since it's a way of getting me to write something every day. Seriously, I have 3 great ideas for what to write but I'm a little scared to actually get started. I mean, what if I can't do this? I have been dreaming and planning and hoping for this day to come and what if it is all for nothing? Aughhhhhhh! Breathe Shae, just breathe. Okay, panic attack averted for this morning. Now I have to go start a script. See you all tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the First Day of the Rest of My Life

Okay, here was the dilemma as I begin my writing life. Do I start today, or, because today is a holiday and it would have been my day off at my "real" job, do I start tomorrow?
I wanted a day off (I didn't sleep well last night) so I'm opting to begin my new 'job' tomorrow but today I'm organizing my workspace, getting used to my new computer (I bought a new iMac, love, love, love it - and I now have high speed internet at home, hasta la vista dial up), installing my screenwriting software, etc., paying bills with the last paycheck I'll have for a while, etc.
So, for those that care, tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life. Today is a vacation day. Thank you, Mr. Presidents.

And So It Begins

The "Year of Writing Dangerously" has begun. Yesterday was one of the toughest days of my life when I had to say goodbye to my friends and collegues at the greatest job I ever had. Yes, I bawled like a newborn as I packed up my office to start what I now think of as an 'experiment in terror'. I have moved in with my mother and grandmother (a truly strange episode of the Golden Girls), quit my job and am now a full time writer and filmmaker (currently unemployed). Aughhhhhhh! What was I thinking?!? I had safety, security, medical insurance and a 401(k)! Now I have a Pilot G2 pen, a stack of blank paper, a gazillion ideas in my head that I now have to WRITE DOWN and just about enough in savings that while I won't starve to death I'll probably be existing on a lot of ramen noodles and day old bread. All in the name of 'pursuing my dream'. Okay, I'm scared but determined. I don't want this year to be a mistake so I'm going to hunker down and fulfill my destiny...what that destiny may be has yet to be revealed. Stay tuned dear readers, because the life on the ledge just became a life on a teeny tiny wafer thin ledge. Can she do it?

The Sweetest Day of the Year

It’s my favorite holiday. Life is truly sweet on this most special of holidays. Yes people, my favorite day of the year is February…..15th. Yup, the day after Valentine’s Day. No sappy cards, no wilted overpriced flowers, just candy – at 50% off. Life is good.

Happy Day After Valentine’s Day!

For Your Consideration

It’s my favorite time of year, when you root for your favorite, eat all sorts of yummy snacks and lay down odds on the winner. No, I’m not talking about the Superbowl, I’m talking about the Oscars®.

Most years I’ve seen at least half of the nominees. This year I’m batting zero. I haven’t seen a single Best Picture Nominee. I can’t make my predictions. I’ll go this weekend and try to see a couple (probably “Juno” and maybe “Atonement”). But I’m a little surprised at some of the nominations. “Hairspray” failed to receive a single nomination. What was the Academy thinking? Not even for costume or song? “Enchanted” got THREE song nominations?!? C’mon, does Disney own the Academy? I can see one, maybe even two but three of the five? I smell a rat, er, mouse.

Okay, the Academy did get one right. ‘Falling Slowly’ from the film “Once” by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova was nominated for Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original Song). The film was my Number One film of 2007 and this song is amazing. I have it on “The Swell Season” which I rushed out and bought after I saw “Once” at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Will and I were lucky to catch a late screening of the film while were at the fest. But the director, John Carney, stopped the film about four minutes in because of sound difficulties. They were going to cancel the screening if they couldn’t fix the sound (it’s a musical movie, sound is überimportant). While we waited for the technicians we were treated to an impromptu acoustic performance by Glen and Marketa. To say it was magical is a true understatement. We then got to watch the film (yay, Mr. Sound Guy!) and then had an encore after the film. Will got to talk to Glen, lead singer for the Irish band The Frames and I chatted with Marketa and got Glen, Marketa and John to sign my ticket. (Yeah, I suppose it is a bit juvenile, but I wanted a momento.) I also have the song on the “Once” soundtrack and on The Frames CD “The Cost”. Oh yeah, it’s also the ringtone on my phone. Can you say obsessed?

Now, if you see the film “Once”, and I really hope you do, you’ll find a charming little movie that breaks every rule of filmmaking. It’s poorly lit, badly shot, minimally scripted and WONDERFUL. The music makes the film and tells the story and that’s why it, and this song, is so good. Music at its best should be evocative and “Falling Slowly” is incredibly evocative. See the movie, then call me and I’ll loan you the CD.

Now, I implore the Academy for two things. If the show goes on (and it should, c’mon WGA and give us the Oscars®) I want Glen and Marketa to perform the song, without any weird interpretive dance number. Trust me, the song doesn’t need unitard wearing dancers to make anyone understand what’s going on. And the second thing I want is for the song to win. It deserves it, because it made the movie, not the other way around.

Now as we get ready for the roller coaster ride to the red carpet, rent the film “For Your Consideration”, the Christopher Guest & Company film about the hype behind awards season. It’s a terrifically funny film and I, for one, wish I could see “Home for Purim”. Hollywood air kisses everyone!

Let There Be Light

Have you ever done something pretty simple but you were so inordinately proud of yourself? That’s how I’m feeling. I changed a light switch this weekend. Yes, I turned the electricity off first, I’m not that stupid. It was a seventy-eight cent part, I learned how to do it with instructions off the internet and it took me about fifteen minutes to do the job (thirty minutes if you count the trip to Lowe’s to buy the new switch.) And voila, there was a beautiful new light switch that turned the lights on and off - the old switch only turned them on about forty percent of the time. I showed everyone my new light switch and they all feigned great impression with my job, sort of like you give a short bus riding child when they accomplish some minor feat like tying their shoelaces even thought they are already in the sixth grade. But considering I saved myself about a hundred bucks in electrician fees to do the same job, I’m darned proud of myself. Next up, re-sealing the refridgerator!

The Endless Cold

Have you ever had a cold that never went away? That’s how I’m feeling right now. I am on day eleven of this cold. I felt really crappy the first weekend, then just cruddy for the last week. Never getting much better, never getting much worse. I think I’m better, then the cough starts up again, or the cough goes away then the head congestion starts again. I’ve tried Airborne, Zicam, NyQuil, Musinex, orange juice, chicken soup, hot tea, 7-Up, Vicks Vapo-Rub and the power of positive thinking. The only thing that helps is resting a lot, but short of a coma, I have a life I need to tend to. Everyday I think that I should wake up and feel a lot better and everyday when I wake up I feel maybe 1/10th of a percent better. It’s like watching a file download from the internet over a dial up connection. You think, “hey, only 8 seconds more and it’ll be done”, then when you look again the estimated time is 47 hours and you’re wondering how the hell that happened. Ugh. Pardon me while I go hack up a lung. Meanwhile we can send people into space but we can’t cure the rhinovirus? I know where I want my tax dollars spent. But until then, I’m going back to bed. A nice long coma, er nap, sounds good right now.

New Year's Resolutions That Can Change the World

Every year we make New Year’s Resolutions, most of which are broken long before Martin Luther King Day. And the worst part is that most of these resolutions are purely selfish - “I’ll lose weight so I look good” or “I’ll quit smoking so I don’t get lung cancer. Well, I’m going to make some New Year’s resolutions that not only can I keep for more than 2 weeks, but could possibly benefit the entire planet. Yup, I’m that good!

1. I will try to cover my mouth whenever I cough or sneeze, thereby protecting the planet from a possible pandemic which could potentially decimate the world’s population. (You’re welcome.)

2. I will vote whenever possible, and potentially be responsible for electing a leader who can create lasting and effective change. (Stop laughing, it could happen.)

3. I will continue to buy cheap goods from third world countries, helping to support a global economy and feeling good knowing that while I am possibly buying goods made by small children in foreign sweat shops, at least I kept a few of them out of the international sex trade. (I made be made a saint.)

4. I will invest my resources in companies that support efforts to fight homelessness, support global communication and promote renewable energy. (Right now those companies are my landlord, the phone company and the power company.)

5. I will, if possible, allow myself to be bitten by a radioactive spider, so that I am transformed into a crime fighting superhero. (I live in Southern Nevada, near a Nuclear Test Site and Nuclear Waste Repository, this may not be as difficult as in might seem.)

There you have it, my resolutions for world change. Now I’m going to take a nap and conserve my energy for the greater good.

Sage-free is okay!

So I had to cook a sage-free Thanksgiving due to Roberta's allergy to the herb. I was concerned, most especially for the stuffing. But I made my own poultry seasoning and it was delicious. I have given the recipe below, you could also add rubbed sage for a more traditional taste.

2 tsp. Rosemary

1 Tbsp. Thyme

2 tsp. Marjoram

1 Tbsp. Savory

1 tsp. celery seed

1 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. cloves

Grind together in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle.

We also had Bourbon Sweet Potatoes, which was a Rachel Ray recipe (and you know how I feel about Rachel Ray but they were delicious in spite of her!). Picture is of the spread (forgive the bad lighting, I took it with my cell phone)

Good Golly

I read USA Weekend yesterday and they talked about Marcel Desaulnier's new cookbook and about how easy and delicious his "Golly Polly's Doodles" were. But no recipe! I was so disappointed. Then this morning I looked at my friend Patti's blog and there was the recipe! Patti, you ROCK! So here is is and I'll report back as to how they are when I make them.

Yield: 17 cookies

Dough:

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces and softened

3⁄4 cup granulated sugar

1⁄4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 large egg1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Filling:

1⁄4 cup creamy peanut butter

1⁄4 cup confectioners' sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.

2. In a sifter, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Sift onto a large piece of parchment or wax paper.

3. Place the softened butter, 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar, and the 1/4 cup peanut butter in the bowl of a stand electric mixer fitted with a paddle. Mix on low for 1 minute, then on medium for 1 minute more. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle. Mix on medium-high for 1 minute. Scrape down again.

4. Add the egg and vanilla and beat on medium for 30 seconds; scrape down again once they have been incorporated. Turn the mixer down to low and gradually add the dry ingredients; mix until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Remove the bowl from the mixer, and use a rubber spatula or your hands to finish mixing the ingredients until thoroughly combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator while making the filling. (Do not keep the dough in the refrigerator for more than 20 minutes; otherwise, the dough will be difficult to form into the desired shape.)

5. Place the 1/4 cup peanut butter and the confectioners' sugar in a clean bowl of a stand electric mixer fitted with a paddle. Mix on low for 20 seconds, then beat on medium for 10 seconds. Remove the bowl from the mixer, and use a rubber spatula to finish mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Portion 17 level teaspoons of the filling onto a piece of parchment or wax paper. Roll each portion into a smooth, round ball.

6. Using 1 heaping tablespoon or 1 level #50 ice-cream scoop, portion 17 pieces of dough. Roll each portion of dough into a smooth round ball, then flatten each ball in the palm of your hand into a 3-inch-diameter circle. Using your thumb, make a small indentation in the center of the dough. Place a filling ball in the indentation, then fold the dough around the filling and roll it into a smooth, round ball. Roll the balls in the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar to lightly coat.

7. Place the Doodles on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart width wise and 2 inches apart lengthwise. Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 6 minutes (that's right-just 6 minutes), until barely firm. (Over baking will cause these cookies to become hard.) Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool to room temperature. Store in a tightly sealed plastic container.

Thanksgiving Challenged

Normally I make an excellent Thanksgiving dinner. Beautifully roasted turkey, a moist and flavorful bread stuffing, gravy from homemade turkey stock and pumpkin pie to die for, with real (not canned) pumpkin. And I’ve been making this meal for years, so it’s a snap, right? I was even going to change it up a little, making sweet potato ravioli with browned sage butter (see recipe in a previous post).

My brother and Val are visiting Val’s family for Thanksgiving so it’s just going to be me, Mom, Gram, my uncle Stuart and his girlfriend, Roberta. Only 5 people so it’s a cinch, hardly anything at all. Then last night my uncle leaves me a message, asking what time dinner is, what do they need to bring, etc. And at the end he tells me that Roberta is allergic to sage, so I need to make accommodations for her.

No sage?!? In a Thanksgiving dinner? But there is sage in the stuffing (just try to find poultry seasoning that doesn’t contain sage, I dare you). And I make an herb butter to inject the turkey with (yup, sage in that). And the Browned Sage Butter DEFINITELY contains sage.

Now I’m the first one to understand what it’s like to have a food allergy. I’m allergic to caffeine (as most all of my friends know) and I’m used to drinking water, never ordering tea out and passing up the “Coca-cola cake” on the buffet table. I even question waiters relentlessly as to what kind of rootbeer their restaurant serves (Barq’s has caffeine, Mug and A&W don’t). So I understand and I’m very sympathetic. I will do all I can to keep Roberta safe. No sage shall even enter the house, lest she come into contact with it! But it’s definitely going to be a challenge.

Okay, so my herb butter will be sage-less and I’ll make my own poultry seasoning for the stuffing. It’s back to the drawing board for the sweet potato portion of the meal. I’m sure it will all be fine, this just threw a bit of a wrench in my plans, that’s all (okay, a really BIG wrench, but we’ll adjust)

Confession time…for the past few years I have been using store bought pie crusts for my pumpkin pie. I know, and I’m ashamed. But the Marie Calendar’s brand is pretty good and I’m not a huge crust fan so it really doesn’t matter to me. But a co-worker’s wife is attending pastry school at Le Cordon Bleu and she sent in a pumpkin pie (I love you Jocelyn!). The filling was good (not quite as good as mine since she used canned pumpkin and it had ginger in it which my family doesn’t like, and I agree, ginger is too strong against the subtle pumpkin flavor). But the crust was phenomenal. And I don’t like crust all that well. But this was flaky, crisp and just ever so slightly sweet. Gosh it was good. Now I used to make pie crust all the timeand it was pretty good, but nothing like this. So I’m going to make pie crust for the first time in years. I googled away and couldn’t find anything that specifically said it was Le Cordon Bleu’s recipe but I found one by a Cordon Bleu trained pastry chef and the recipe does contain sugar so I’m going to try it.

Here is the timeline for this week’s dinner.

Saturday night – stew down pumpkins (ask and maybe I’ll teach you my secret method!)
Sunday – make stock for gravy.
Monday – make cranberry sauce (not only is it delicious with dinner, but put some over cream cheese and serve with Ritz crackers as an appetizer, yum)
Tuesday – grocery store, make herb injection
Wednesday – bake pies, rolls, prep vegetables for stuffing, make mashed potatoes
Thursday – make the stuffing, stuff and roast turkey, make gravy, whip cream, collapse.

I’ll let you know how it goes!

Me, Meatballs and the Ikea Holy Grail

To most of the world, shopping at Ikea is no big deal. For someone who was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada (an Ikea-less zone) it was a revelation and my newest obsession.

To the Ikea uninitiated out there, Ikea is a home store extraordinaire. They have furniture, house wares, cookware, linens, pictures, decorative accessories, toys, even pet beds! The store is a massive two story structure so large that there are arrows directing you which way to go. They provide you with pencils, paper and even measuring tape to take with you as you peruse the displays. You can write down the aisle and bin number of the items you want to pick up in the self serve areas downstairs. You can look at a display and say, “gee, I like that bed, I think I’ll buy it” and write down the bed number. But if you are decorating challenged and you have ever seen a display and thought, “gosh, I wish I could just buy that whole room, I’d take it all”, well at Ikea you can do just that. There is a sticker on the ROOM to tell you how much it is!

If you have never been to an Ikea before and are planning your first visit, allow yourself about 6 hours. Yes, it will take you that long, longer even if you are with someone else. I suppose it is possible, if you have been to the store a bajillion times, to “just run in and pick something up real quick”. It is also possible to visit the Wynn buffet and “just grab a little salad” but it’s not very probable. Plan your visit with ample time to ooh, aah, and exclaim.

They are pretty smart, those Swedes who designed Ikea. They know it takes a long time to really look around, see everything, make decisions, to figure out what will fit where. So they put in a cafeteria style restaurant with delicious food at reasonable prices so that you can fuel up for the buying portion of your visit. There is a pretty limited menu of mostly Swedish inspired dishes with a daily special that runs the gamut depending on the Ikea location. Just trust me, get the Swedish Meatballs. A plate of 15 of them, served with a cream sauce, boiled potatoes and lingonberry sauce is only $4.99 with larger and smaller orders priced accordingly. There was also a luscious looking open faced shrimp sandwich that looked oh, so European (it was just a sliced hard boiled egg topped with shrimp and a dollop of mayo and a sprig of dill on dark bread but you rarely see open faced cold sandwiches in the USA.) The meatballs are small, dense and delicious with a hint of spice and a delicious cream sauce. You can add soup or salad for a dollar more but since I was in a Swedish mood I added a piece of Daim torte, a dessert thingy that looked like caramel and nut torte. It turns out that Daim is a Swedish candy bar with “crisp caramel”. Whatever it was, it was delicious! While it is cafeteria style and you have to bus your won tables, the food is served on real plates with real flatware and real glasses for your beverage in an open, airy window filled place that has a lovely little area to corral the small tykes.

Okay so being in California without a semi-truck to carry my booty back I had to stick to the small stuff, so in my 45 dollar splurge I bought: 8 mirrors, 4 mini mixing bowls, a wastebasket, a dried flower arrangement, 2 candles, a bamboo curtain and a really cute dog butt hook. (No, it’s not a hook to hang a dog from, it’s a hook that looks like the rear end of a dog, with the tail as a hanger.) If I’d had a truck I found 2 bookcases, a wardrobe and a dining set that I loved. I then spent another 15 bucks on a bag of the frozen meatballs, 3 packs of cream sauce mix, a jar of lingonberries and an insulated bag to bring it all home in.

I made a batch of the meatballs on Friday and they were just as delicious as they were at the store. Now I’m obsessed with them. I need more. So if you want to know what I want for Christmas, I want 3 bags of Ikea frozen meatballs and a case of sauce packets. Lingonberries optional. But I’ve been a really good girl this year, so if it’s too much for you to go to Ikea for me, you could just petition the Swedes to put one in Vegas, and I’ll get my own!